Rahul, UDF MPs demand nuns' immediate release

New Delhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that two Catholic nuns were jailed in Chhattisgarh for their faith, calling it a clear case of religious persecution under BJP rule. He said this reflects a pattern of systematic targeting of minorities wherever the BJP governs. Demanding their immediate release, he stressed that religious freedom is a fundamental constitutional right.

UDF MPs, including Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, held a protest in the Parliament House complex. They condemned the arrest of the nuns, who are from Kerala, and demanded justice.

The nuns, along with another person, were arrested at Durg Railway Station following a Bajrang Dal member’s complaint alleging forced conversion and human trafficking of three girls from Narayanpur. The police acted based on these claims, though no wrongdoing was proven.

Gandhi posted on X, calling the incident mob rule by the BJP-RSS ecosystem. He asserted that the Congress would not remain silent and would continue to fight for the rights of minorities.

Venugopal also posted on X, accusing the BJP and Sangh Parivar of supporting hate crimes through groups like Bajrang Dal. He called the arrests a form of intimidation against those practising their faith and demanded strict action.

He also wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, urging them to protect constitutional rights and punish those responsible.